EASTLEIGH have revealed that the planned pre-season friendly against Newport County AFC was cancelled because of issues with their newly re-laid pitch.

Michael Flynn’s men had been due to take on the National League side at the Silverlake Stadium later this month on July 22 or July 29.

But the Spitfires, who have signed former County striker Chris Zebroski this summer, have been forced to change their pre-season plans with friendlies against Portsmouth and AFC Wimbledon also affected.

"We can't get enough water onto the pitch at the moment," chief executive Mark Jewell told BBC Radio Solent after Saturday’s clash with Wimbledon was called off.

"Exposure to quite a large police bill if the game didn't go ahead was in the back of our mind.”

Jewell added: “Remedial work as a result of extreme heat will need to be completed upon 15 per cent to 20 per cent of the newly laid turf.

“Unless we have a heatwave of 50 degrees I can't see the pitch not being ready for the Sheffield United game (on July 28).”

County start their pre-season programme on Friday night with a trip to Undy AFC.

They then go to Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, Chippenham Town on Tuesday, July 18, and Merthyr Town the following day.

Flynn’s men travel to Evesham to take on Tim Harris’ Gloucester City on Saturday, July 22, before going to Barry Town on Wednesday, July 25.

And they will conclude their preparations against Justin Edinburgh’s Northampton Town at Sixfields on Saturday, July 29.

The visit to Chippenham will give Flynn a chance to catch up with former teammate Scott Donnelly.

Vanarama National League South newcomers Chippenham have announced the signing of Donnelly this week.

The 29-year-old scored one goal in 18 appearances for the Exiles in 2013 as he helped seal promotion to the Football League.

Donnelly replaced Flynn with 16 minutes left on the clock in the Wembley play-off final victory over Wrexham before being released the following week.

Chippenham manager Mark Collier said: “Scott joins us with a wealth of experience.

“He will add a real quality to the squad. Scott had numerous options, however, he was impressed with the club’s vision and ambition.”

Meanwhile, former County academy striker Ben Brooks has joined Evo-Stik League South West club Yate Town.